This was probably one of the first bible verses I learned after becoming a Christian many years ago. It is famous. It is well-known. So well-known that maybe we have taken it for granted?
When this particular verse popped up (on a verse-a-day website) as my next blogging topic, it gave me the opportunity to ponder this verse anew.
So, what "new" insight have I been given? Nothing new, but here is what perspective I have been pondering.
I have zero-ed in on the word "gave." God gave. God gave to the world. God gave His Son. God gave out of love. God gave to whoever believes in Him. God gave so that we could have eternal life.
Wow...that's a LOT of giving.
Most of the time, I am very aware (and thankful) for what I have been given. I have been given a wonderful husband and family. I have been given a comfortable life, with privileges and blessings not available to many others around the globe.
I have been given resources and skills that can benefit my family, church and community. I have been given interests, personality traits and silly quirks within that personality that occasionally amuse others, keep life interesting and can be used for God's glory.
But there are times in my life when I don't feel so blessed. There are times when I look in the mirror and wonder why I wasn't given the gift of a flawless complexion. Sometimes I watch other actors on stage and wonder why I wasn't given the level of talent they have. I often wonder why I wasn't given the personality of an out-going, personable charmer, instead of my introverted, melancholy spirit.
So, when I heard the word "gave" and pondered it in my heart, I was moved. I know that life isn't fair. Some are born with more physical beauty and talents than others. Some live in relative wealth while others live in poverty. Some have radiant, attractive personalities, and others have personalities that are harder to appreciate.
But there is one thing we have ALL been given. Jesus.
God isn't a stingy deity spending His days plotting to bring us deprivation. God is a generous, giving Father who longs to bless us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. And on top of that, He gave us the most precious gift He could ever give us: His Son. Anyone who's ever raised a son (or a daughter) would understand how precious and valuable that is.
Sure, there will still be days when I feel "deprived" and indulge in a self-pity party. Life has a way of doing that to us.
But God gave me His most valuable and sacrificial possession possible. That means I am loved. It means I am also valuable to Him. It means I count.
The reflection in the mirror doesn't make me valuable, nor will my acting ability on stage, my "wealth" or my personality. God makes me valuable. I am the recipient of a most valuable gift. John 3:16 tells me so.
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